Glimepiride pros and cons please

[Cloudlesssky]

Hello guys,
When I was first diagnosed I was told to gradually build up Metformin to 4 tablets a day, which I believe is quite standard.
However, as my glucose levels were so high at first I had weekly appointments with the diabetic nurse and after about three weeks she spoke to my GP about putting me on Glimepiride to speed up the reduction in sugars (or that's how I understood it)
I have an unopened box in my cupboard.
I worked my way up to 4 Metformin a day, but have been unable to tolerate this and now, after three months am back on 2 Metformin in the morning and 1 every other evening.
I really can't manage at work or going for a long walk with a higher dosage (if you know what I mean!)
I have been really reticent to start the Glimepiride due to the effects of the Metformin.
I know my levels are still too high, but they have gone from 31 when I was diagnosed in September to around 9.0.
I have to make an appointment for a 3 month diabetes check with my doctor at the beginning of January, have blood tests and the like.
However, I'm wondering two things.
Do you think that taking the Glimepiride might help me to get down to under 6.0 and have those of you who take it experience any side effects?
Do you think I'd be better off with slow release Metformin as I've heard its not as effective?
Thankyou, and I do realise that you're giving your opinions based on your own experiences, which I really value.
Bee Gee

 

[catherinecherub]

I will bump your post up for a reply.

 

[Squire Fulwood]

Do you think I'd be better off with slow release Metformin as I've heard its not as effective?

My nurse put me on to SR Metformin from the start and I did not experience the problems that other members have reported. The normal metformin sounds more like a laxative than a medicine.

In any event when I changed my diet the effect was so great compared to the effect of Metformin that I stopped taking it altogether (and told my nurse).

I was put on Glimipiride when my Hba1c reached 68. I started to behave myself and brought my Hba1c down to 42 and the pills were stopped again.

 

[Cloudlesssky]

Thank you both.
Appreciate the bump and the commets!

 

[))Denise((]

Glimepride is a similar drug to Gliclazide, which stimulates the pancreas to make more insulin. The downside of these drugs is that you can get hypos, so test before driving (although you don't have to report that you are taking them to the DVLA).

Despite low carbing, I can't get my levels down low enough, so that's why I take gliclazide. Although I'm soon to start taking sitagliptin as sulphonylureas (glimepride and gliclazide) can cause weight gain.

http://www.nhs.uk/medicine-guides/p...limepiride&preparationGlimepiride 1mg tablets

 

[Cloudlesssky]

Thankyou, Denise. I certainly don't need any weight gain, but like you, I can't get my sugars low enough - yet. I'm three months in and am down from 31 to (generally) below 12.
I'm pleased but don't want to get complacent.